Another Vick pit bull success story
By Christie Keith
June 18, 2008
Oh conventional wisdom, how wrong you usually are. And never more so than about pit bulls.
Not only are most family pits friendly and wonderful companions, apparently even the “worst of the worst,” those dogs not only owned by dogfighters and bred for dogfighting but actually used in the pit, keep turning out to be not just good dogs, not just safe dogs, but wonderful dogs.
Take Leo, one of 50 pitbulls rescued from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels. After spending five weeks being trained and rehabbed by California trainer Marthina McClay, Leo has found a new purpose in life. From a feature, with video, over on MSNBC.com:
He now happily frolics in a clown collar as he makes the rounds at the Camino Infusion Center, where he brings comfort to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Despite his training as a killer, Leo is a sweetheart as he visits his friends on the ward.
“He is wonderful, and all the patients love Leo,” said Paula Reed, the facility’s oncology director. “They really love his eyes and gentleness.”
Nor is that Leo’s only job.
Leo also touches young people on probation at the Alternative Placement Academy in San Jose, where the young men seem to identify with the former tough guy.
“I think they saw this dog’s awful background, and it communicates to the kids that you can end up being what you want to be,” McClay said.
It’s the age-old story of second chances. By living his, Leo helps tear down entrenched stereotypes that pit bulls are irredeemable killers.
“Leo is definitely an ambassador to the breed,” McClay said. “The staff at various facilities will say, ‘I will never see pit bulls the same again.’”
Out of the 50 dogs rescued from Bad Newz, only one had to be put down for aggressive behavior.
One.
So the next time someone says all pit bulls are dangerous and deadly and can’t be trusted, the next time PETA or anyone else calls them “time bombs” and says that all fighting dogs should be put down, tell them about Leo.
Video under the jump.
YES!!!!
I was just reading over at Bad Rap recently for updates on the dogs. Hurray for Leo! and Bad Rap and everyone else involved with getting these dogs a second chance.
Leo’s a beautiful pup.
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
Zippiddeedoodaa… I’ve been saying it for years. It’s nice to hear a back-up chorus, every now and then.
As a longtime dog trainer, in particular one who specialized in re-training aggressive dogs for over a decade, this kind of thing isn’t news to me.
I’ve never met an “inherently” aggressive dog. …Lots of dogs who learned all kinds of threatening coping strategies, but none who couldn’t learn more appropriate ones. …No genetic manipulation required. Just good, ol’ fashioned training, socialization, leadership, and compassion. …Can make a model canine citizen out of any dog. :-)
Comment by Marjorie — June 18, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Don’t forget to send a copy of this video to the HSUS and head ex PETA honcho Wayne Pacelle. HSUS called for the killing of all Vicks dogs but not before they begged for money to help them. They still call for the killing of any “fighing dogs”. Here is an excerpt from a “study guide” from their HUMANE TEEN printed material.. This is supoosed to be a “discussion” topic for tennagers..
“The HSUS
recommends that any dog who has been specifically
bred, conditioned, or used for fighting not
be placed for adoption by an animal shelter but
be humanely euthanized.
Think About It
Do you agree with The HSUS’s recommendation
regarding the euthanasia of fighting dogs placed
in shelters? Why or why not?”
Why not?/ just look at the video.. I seriously suggest that anyone with children in school at any age check out what is being taught.. This is directly from Humane Teen.. the HSUS website..pretty sick stuff….especially for a non profit TAX EXEMPT group who claims to be an animal PROTECTION agency.
Freinds don’t let friends donate to the HSUS or PETA!!!
way to go Leo….
Comment by bestuvall — June 18, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
My favorite of the bunch is Hector, who always looks as if he is in heaven just for being held.
Look at where Hector is going:
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.co.....f-all.html
And look at that face! What a darling dog.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — June 18, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
I emailed you guys this story, even though I figured you’d have already came across it. I’m so glad you posted it! At the dog park with Kasey I’ve only run across one pitbull that I was nervous around. The rest have been complete sweethearts. Actually, the scariest dog at the park is a very territorial golden retriever! :O)
Comment by Lori — June 19, 2008 @ 6:14 am
Oh that is wonderful! I love seeing how happy Leo looks! What a “feel good” story!
Comment by Tammy — June 19, 2008 @ 9:44 am
How adorable!! I have had a pitbull for 11 years, raised from 6 months old as a rescue. He is the sweetest, kindest, non-threatening, baby…he is the love of my life. I hope Michael Vick rots in hell…I’m being nice about that statement. I’m working hard to prevent/help what this man (if that’s what you want to call him) has fed into. No sympathy here for him….I love the pitbulls and know, personally, that it is the trainer that is bad, not the dog. I will continue to fight for the cause to protect these innocent babies!
Comment by Lisa V. — July 24, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Thats awesome. Pitbulls are amazing dogs and one of the only breeds i will own. The special thing about pits is the emotional and spiritual connection they build with their family. They dont just bond with u they become part of you and when raised and trained properly u can trust them with your life.
Comment by Devon — October 21, 2009 @ 8:35 pm